Quick answer: Crow's feet are the lines at the outer corners of the eyes. In Seoul, they are most often treated with Botox, which softens smile lines in about one to two weeks. Fine, crepey lines under the eyes are usually treated with gentle skin boosters such as Rejuran Eye, and lasers can improve texture. Downtime is short for most options.
Key takeaways
- Crow's feet are mainly caused by smiling and squinting.
- Botox is the main treatment for lines that appear when you smile.
- Rejuran Eye is a lighter skin booster made for the thin skin around the eyes.
- Lasers and other boosters improve fine lines and texture.
- The eye area is delicate, so experience and small doses matter.
What causes crow's feet and eye wrinkles?
The muscle around the eye (orbicularis oculi) contracts every time you smile or squint. The skin here is very thin, so lines form early. Sun damage, dry skin and loss of collagen make them deeper over time.
Eye-area treatments are very popular with visitors to Seoul. Korea treated about 2.01 million foreign patients in 2025, and around 63% came for dermatology, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Which treatments work best?
1. Botox for crow's feet
A few small injections relax the muscle at the outer eye, so smile lines soften. Results start in three to seven days and last about three to four months. See Botox in Gangnam for foreign patients and our Botox page.
2. Rejuran Eye
Rejuran Eye is a polynucleotide (PN) skin booster made for the thin under-eye and outer-eye skin. It helps fine lines, crepey texture and tired-looking skin. Most people do two to three sessions. See our Rejuran Eye page and the Rejuran Healer guide.
3. Other skin boosters
Light HA boosters or collagen stimulators can improve hydration and thickness. See our Skinvive guide and Juvelook guide.
4. Lasers
Gentle fractional lasers improve skin texture and stimulate collagen around the eyes. They may cause redness for a few days. See our laser lifting page.
5. Filler for hollows
If hollows under the eyes make lines look worse, a small amount of soft filler can help. See under-eye filler in Korea.
Which option is right for me?
- Lines only when you smile: Botox.
- Fine, crepey lines at rest: Rejuran Eye or other boosters.
- Rough texture and sun damage: laser plus boosters.
- Hollows and shadows: under-eye filler, if suitable.
Many people combine Botox with a booster for the best result. Forehead lines are often treated at the same visit. See treatments for forehead wrinkles.
What is the downtime?
- Botox: almost none.
- Rejuran Eye: small bumps and possible bruises for one to three days.
- Laser: redness for a few days.
- Filler: mild swelling for a few days.
Plan boosters and lasers early in your trip. See low-downtime treatments before flying.
How long do results last?
Botox lasts about three to four months. Rejuran Eye results build over a few weeks and often last several months after a full course. Laser results improve slowly as new collagen forms.
Is it safe?
These are common treatments. The eye area is delicate, so choose an experienced doctor. Too much Botox can make smiling feel different for a few weeks. Bruising is more common around the eyes, so avoid blood-thinning supplements before treatment if your doctor agrees.
Aftercare tips
- Do not rub your eyes on the treatment day.
- Avoid saunas, alcohol and hard exercise for a day.
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen every day.
- Use a gentle eye cream to keep the skin hydrated.
How to choose a clinic
- Ask which product and how much will be used, and get a written quote.
- Make sure the doctor who consults you also performs the treatment.
- Ask for written aftercare in English.
Read our guide to choosing a dermatology clinic in Gangnam.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does Botox for crow's feet work?
Three to seven days to start, about two weeks for the full effect.
Is Rejuran Eye painful?
It stings a little, but numbing cream makes it manageable.
Can I treat dark circles at the same time?
Some dark circles improve with boosters or filler. Pigment-related dark circles may need other treatments.
Can I wear make-up after treatment?
Usually from the next day. Ask your doctor for your specific treatment.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea – 2025 foreign patient statistics (press release, 2026). mohw.go.kr
- PharmaResearch – Rejuran product information. pharmaresearch.co.kr
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified physician before any treatment.
